08 July 2015 - On July 02, Philippine Ambassador to Mexico Catalino R. Dilem, Jr. called on the Municipal President (equivalent to mayor) of the City of Guadalajara, Engineer Ramiro Hernandez Garcia at the latter’s office located at the Palacio Municipal in the city’s historic center. President Hernandez has 23 years of public service as Member of Parliament, senator, and now as Municipal President of Guadalajara since September 2012.  

Accompanying the Philippine Ambassador during the meeting were Consul to Guadalajara Martin Camarena de Obeso, Vice Consul to Guadalajara Martha Mejia Castañeda and Administrative Officer Bernardo Bagalay. Three City Councilors and the Director for International Relations of the city government were also present during the courtesy call.

Municipal President Hernandez informed Ambassador Dilem that relations between Mexico, Guadalajara in particular, and the Philippines should be further strengthened. He encouraged more cultural exchanges between the two sides.  Ambassador Dilem responded by expressing  his appreciation for the warm hospitality accorded to him and his delegation and conveyed the hope that the same spirit of cooperation will be extended to the Philippine Embassy as it proposes to be more active partners in the promotion of the Philippines in Guadalajara.

President Ramirez expressed his admiration for the Philippines and is proud that the Cities of Guadalajara and Cebu are sister cities. The President encouraged a revitalization of the sister-city agreement between both cities in order to foster closer ties, both in the cultural and commercial sphere. Ambassador Dilem responded by agreeing that more cultural and trade exchanges should take place between both cities owing to their close historical link. END